AZERBAIJAN FAMILY TRADITIONS IN PRE-ISLAMIC TIME

Abstract

This study explores family concepts, family formation, child-related issues, and family legislation in pre-Islamic Azerbaijan. The research covers the family lives in the area of Azerbaijan. The study's objective is to show how the old Azerbaijan family fits into our knowledge of sociocultural history. This study explores family concepts, family types, family formation, child-related issues, and family legislation in pre-Islamic Azerbaijan. In their daily life, Azerbaijanis were unified and supportive of one another. At the top of the tribes, there were gentlemen who had the authority to use force in order to uphold the rights of the tribe, defend its interests, and uphold justice and rights.

In the traditional Azerbaijani society, there is a patriarchal family structure centered on male authority. The family was created based on marriage creating blood connections in the old times. It is well known that medieval Azerbaijani also engaged in political marriages. Historical records specifically note that the khans, who were in charge of the state, engaged in political marriages. "The fire of the house should not go out" is the marriage aim. "The girl is visitor of the father’s home, but the bride is lamplight" was said about the newlywed who came home. After wedding the bride carried salt-bread, a piece of coal, mirror and a lit lamp to her new house. It is thought that performing this ritual will bless and prosper the home and prevent it from disease. The youngest son continued to reside in his grandfather's house despite the establishment of married individuals. The young child was given the name "ata ocağının işiq yandıranı" (prince of home light), as he would reside in the grandfather's home.